$Unique_ID{bob01234} $Pretitle{} $Title{Works of Jane Austen Emma: Chapters 26 - 39} $Subtitle{} $Author{Austen, Jane} $Affiliation{Instructor Of English, Rutgers University} $Subject{emma jane frank mrs knightley weston harriet elton miss bates hear audio hear sound } $Date{} $Log{Hear Emma's Imagination Goes to Work*68190011.aud } Title: Works of Jane Austen Book: Emma Author: Austen, Jane Critic: Fitzpatrick, William J. Affiliation: Instructor Of English, Rutgers University Emma: Chapters 26 - 39 Chapter XXVI Frank Churchill returns, and after seeing him, Emma decides that "silly things cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way." Mr. Knightley is definitely wrong about him. When Emma arrives at the Coles' for the dinner party, she notices that Mr. Knightley, contrary to his usual custom, has taken his carriage. Emma remarks that she is pleased to see him assume this unwonted formality. At dinner, Mrs. Cole breaks the news that a pianoforte from an anonymous donor arrived for Jane Fairfax. Jane could not at first think who could have sent it, but she finally decided that it must be from Colonel Campbell, even though he had not said a word to her about it. Mrs. Cole remarks that it is fitting that Jane Fairfax, who is such an accomplished musician, should have a piano to play on. Emma then privately discusses the surprising event with Frank, and he readily agrees with - even encourages - her when she reasons that Mr. Dixon was the most likely donor, especially in view of what Frank had told her previously about his having so admired Jane's playing. Emma declares that she believes that Jane and Mr. Dixon are in love with each other and that that was the reason for her coming to Highbury instead of accompanying the Churchills to Ireland. Frank adds that he agrees that the piano is "an offering of love." After dinner, Miss Bates, Jane, and the others who were not invited to the dinner arrive for the music and dancing. From Frank Churchill's close attentions to Emma during the party, she concludes that everybody must be aware that he is falling in love with her. When Harriet says that Frank bears some resemblance to Mr. Elton, Emma turns away from her in silent indignation. Frank confides to Emma his difficulty in getting away from his aunt and uncle. When Emma observes that Frank is staring at Miss Fairfax, he says that he was distracted by the outrageous way she has done her hair. He then says that he will go across to ask her about it, and tells Emma to watch to see if she blushes. But he so places himself while talking to Jane that Emma cannot see her. Mrs. Weston then comes over to talk to Emma and informs her that Miss Bates and Jane arrived in Mr. Knightley's carriage, which will also take them home again. Emma replies that this is typical of Mr. Knightley's "unostentatious" consideration. But Mrs. Weston reveals her suspicion of a blossoming romance between Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax. Emma virtually explodes at this conjecture. How could Mrs. Weston think such a thing! Mr. Knightley must not marry! It would deprive her nephew, Henry, of his inheritance of Donwell Abbey. Emma will not consent to Mr. Knightley's marrying - especially to Jane Fairfax. The idea has never occurred to Emma. Mrs. Weston has no business taking up matchmaking. Why, Mr. Knightley does not want to marry! He is perfectly happy as he is. He has no love for Jane Fairfax. Such a connection would be degrading. Emma mimics Jane's aunt, Miss Bates, and Mrs. Weston gently rebukes her for it. Emma is adamant although Mrs. Weston points out how solicitous Mr. Knightley has been toward Jane and her relatives, how he had admired her performance at the piano. She argues that the piano might be a gift from Mr. Knightley. But Emma replies that this would be out of character, for he does nothing mysteriously. The time comes for Emma to entertain at the piano, and Frank Churchill joins her in her singing. Then Miss Fairfax takes her turn and Emma does not deny to herself that Jane's abilities in song and in playing are superior to her own. Frank Churchill also joins Jane in a duet several times. When Mr. Knightley sits down by Emma during the singing, she has an opportunity to observe his attitude to Jane. He remarks that it was a mistake for Colonel Campbell not to have notified Jane of the gift: "Surprises are foolish things." When Mr. Knightley notices Jane's voice beginning to strain, he becomes angry at Mr. Churchill who urges her to go on singing, and prevails on Miss Bates to interfere lest her niece become hoarse. When the dancing begins, Frank chooses Emma for his first partner, and Emma notices that Mr. Knightley does not dance with Jane. When the dancing breaks up early, Frank Churchill remarks to Emma that it is just as well, for he would have had to dance with Jane Fairfax and would not have found her dancing agreeable. Comment: What surprising thing occurred at almost the same time that someone sent Jane a piano from London? (Answer: Frank Churchill went to London for a haircut.) The reader will notice how easily Frank Churchill encourages Emma's gratuitous invention of a romance of Mr. Dixon and Jane Fairfax. Again, the author means for the reader to keep in mind every detail of Frank's behavior to Jane. The reader will also notice that Emma, who so far has a poor record in matchmaking herself, disapproves of Mrs. Weston's trying her hand at it. There may be a more profund explanation than Emma gives for her outburst at the suggestion that Mr. Knightley will marry Jane Fairfax. Chapter XXVII The next day, Emma recalls with pleasure her success at the party at the Coles'. She somewhat regrets her having talked about Jane to Frank, and she sits down and practices at the piano for an hour and a half (perhaps because she saw how much better Jane Fairfax was). Harriet then comes in for a visit and tells Emma that she plays quite as well as Jane. Harriet remarks that Jane has to play well because she is going to have to teach for a living. When asked her opinion on how the Coxes looked at the party, Emma answers that they were as vulgar as they always are. Harriet states that the Cox girls may have their eyes on Robert Martin. Harriet and Emma then go to Ford's (the haberdasher). While waiting for the vacillating Harriet to make up her mind on her purchase, Emma notices Mrs. Weston and her stepson, Frank, coming down the road. They are about to go into the Bateses' when they notice Emma and come over to greet her. Mrs. Weston informs her that Frank has reminded her that she promised to call on Miss Bates today to hear the piano - though Mrs. Weston does not remember the promise. Frank now wants to leave Mrs. Weston to go with Emma, but Mrs. Weston insists that he accompany her since he previously indicated that intention. Frank remarks to Emma that it would be difficult for him to compliment Jane on the piano if she were not good, since he is a very poor liar. He and Mrs. Weston now go to the Bateses'. While Harriet is deciding with great difficulty where to have her parcel sent, Mrs. Weston and Miss Bates come over to ask Harriet to join them. Miss Bates proceeds to chatter on about apples and Mr. Knightley's generosity in sending them for Jane, and they all swim over to the Bateses' in her flood of words. Comment: In this chapter, we have another example of Harriet's lack of decision which shows itself even in the smallest things. The reader should bear in mind Frank's remark about being a very poor liar. Chapter XXVIII When they enter the apartment, Frank Churchill is still busy fixing Mrs. Bates' glasses and Jane is busy at the piano. Frank immediately sits beside Emma, who is thinking about the emotion Jane must be feeling while playing at the piano sent by the man she loves. Frank proceeds to amuse Emma in spite of herself by chattering on about Colonel Campbell's care and taste in selecting the piano. He remarks on the Irish melodies that were sent along with the piano, that "true affection only could have prompted it." Emma notices a slight smile and blush on Jane Fairfax's face, and mentally rebukes her for enjoying her unscrupulous feelings (i.e., her love for Mr. Dixon and his for her). Emma warns Frank to speak less obviously lest Jane understand that he is hinting that they know that the real donor is not Colonel Campbell but rather Mr. Dixon; but Frank replies that Jane deserves to be shamed, and he tells Emma that Jane is now playing Mr. Dixon's favorite song. Miss Bates notices Mr. Knightley on horseback through the window and they shout a conversation which is heard by all. Miss Bates thanks Mr. Knightley for the apples he sent, and Mr. Knightley asks specially after Miss Fairfax. He has just accepted Miss Bates' invitation to join them, when she tells him that Frank Churchill is there; whereupon Mr. Knightley says he must get on with his business and cannot join them. The guests go away soon afterward. Chapter XXIX A few days later, while the Woodhouses are visiting the Westons, Frank tries to promote a dance at Randalls (the Weston home). But they shortly find that there is not enough room for a party. The next day, Frank calls at Hartfield and informs Emma that his father now plans to give a dance at the Crown Inn, where there will be more room. After discussing in some detail the serious problem of drafts with Mr. Woodhouse, he and Emma go off to inspect the premises. After a detailed discussion with the Westons and Emma about the adequacy of the Crown Inn, Frank then suggests that he go and get Miss Bates so that she can contribute her opinion. Emma comments that they can expect no serious opinion from Miss Bates, only gratitude. But Mr. Weston encourages Frank to bring Miss Bates and her niece. Before he comes back with Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax, Mrs. Weston had decided that the inn is satisfactory. Frank then gets Emma's promise for the first two dances of the evening - much to the delight of Mr. Weston. Comment: This chapter puts Mr. Woodhouse's hypochondriacal fancies on display and provides further comedy in the very serious discussion of trivial details as the group at the Crown Inn plans for the party. Notice that Frank, who has previously shown that he is entirely aware of Miss Bates' deficiencies, nevertheless suggests that he go and fetch her to give her opinion. Why did he do this? (Miss Bates has a niece). Chapter XXX Emma is worried that since the ball will be the day after Frank's scheduled departure, he will not be able to get the Churchills to agree to his extending his stay in Highbury. Like everyone else, Jane Fairfax is very excited about the dance, but Mr. Knightley, on the other hand, has no interest in it at all. Emma takes this as another proof that Mr. Knightley is not interested in Jane. A letter then arrives from Mr. Churchill asking his nephew's immediate return because Mrs. Churchill is sick. Emma is very much upset at "the loss of the ball and the loss of the young man." Frank calls on Emma to say good-bye. He seems dejected and lost for words. He declares that he will miss Highbury very much. He reveal that he called at the Bateses' before he called on Emma. Because Miss Bates was out, he had to wait for her return. He hesitantly tells Emma that she must have some suspicion - but he never finishes his sentence. Emma understands him to be about to reveals his feelings for her and she quickly diverts the train of the conversation. After some embarrassing silences, Mr. Weston arrives and Frank says good-bye and they leave. Emma interprets his strange behavior as resulting from his strong love for her and wonders what he would have said if his father had not arrived when he did. Emma is extremely sorry to see him go. She decides that she must be a little in love with him even though she had decided not to be. When next she meets Jane Fairfax, she is annoyed at her apparent indifference at the cancellation of the ball (though her aunt does say that she has a terrible headache). Comment: Emma's conviction that Frank is in love with her stems from: 1. her egotism; 2. Frank's attentions to her during the past fortnight; 3. her attraction to him. Why does the author have Jane Fairfax have a severe headache just at this time? Does she, too, regret Frank's departure? Chapter XXXI After Frank is gone, Emma thinks of their love for each other. She is positive of his love for her, and admits to her being in love with him - at least a little. She thinks of him a great deal and yet never wavers in her determination not to accept an offer of marriage. This is the strongest proof that she cannot be very much in love with him. She decides therefore that she should not encourage him. She is thankful that she is not deeply in love. She considers that since every person is in love once in his life, she has been let off easy. Frank writes to Mrs. Weston, who brings the letter to Emma. The letter includes several compliments to Miss Woodhouse. He even remembers "her friend" Harriet. Emma takes this as an indirect, special compliment to her. Frank cannot tell when he will be able to return to Highbury. Emma wonders if it would be possible for Frank to become interested in Harriet. Although she reminds herself of the danger of matchmaking, Emma takes pleasure in the thought of Frank and Harriet having a romance. As Mr. Elton's wedding day approaches, Emma has to look after Harriet, who becomes increasingly dejected. She tells Harriet that her preoccupation with Mr. Elton's marriage is a reproach to her for having deceived herself and misled Harriet into thinking that Mr. Elton was interested in Harriet. Furthermore, it shows a lack of self-discipline and attention to propriety to dwell continually on Mr. Elton. Harriet declares that she has been indeed ungrateful to Emma and will no longer make this mistake. Emma thinks that Harriet's openness and warmth of heart more than make up for her lack of cultivation and intelligence. She is worth one hundred cold Jane Fairfaxes! Comment: The reader will no doubt smile at the picture of a young girl of twenty-one renouncing all thought of romance and marriage. Could this be a reflection of her egotism as well as her naivete? Harriet's simplemindedness and Emma's cruelty are ironically highlighted in Harriet's declaration of gratitude. What has she to be thankful to Emma for, except her company? Emma has apparently destroyed her one hope for a suitable match (with Mr. Martin) and has caused her much unhappiness by giving her vain hopes for Mr. Elton. And it now appears that Emma is about to encourage an even more naively ambitious desire for Frank Churchill. Chapter XXXII Mr. Elton has now come back with his bride and Emma is quick to go with Harriet to pay their respects. Sitting in Mr. Elton's house, Emma thinks of the last time she and Harriet were there. Mr. Elton is embarrassed; for he is sitting at the same time with "the woman he had just married, the woman he had wanted to marry, and the woman he had been expected to marry." Harriet is very impressed by the new Mrs. Elton. When Mr. Elton and his bride return the visit, Emma is able to conclude that Augusta Elton is extremely vain, with a narrow background, and not a little vulgar. In an obvious attempt to impress others with her "connections" and background, Mrs. Elton chatters on about her brother-in-law's estate, Maple Grove, and about his "barouchelandau ...," repeating herself again and again in the most crude attempt to recommend her own superiority. Emma is inwardly furious when Mrs. Elton offers to give her introductions to friends in Bath so that she can be brought more into society. Augusta suggests that she and Emma start a "musical club," but Emma is extremely cool to the idea. Augusta then tells Emma that she was astonished to find how lady - like Mrs. Weston is - something she had not expected in a former governess. She refers to Mr. Knightley as "Knightley," as if he were an old buddy. She is both vulgar and pretentious in calling her husband "Mr. E" and "caro sposo." When she leaves, Emma thinks: "insufferable woman": to speak of Mr. Knightley in such a familiar way; to be so condescending to Mrs. Weston; to "decide" that Mr. Knightley is a gentleman. Emma wonders what Frank Churchill would say to her - and she wonders at herself thinking of Frank Churchill right away. Comment: Mrs. Elton's vulgarity is, of course, a reflection on Emma, who so self-importantly distracted Harriet from Robert Martin in favor of the far less worthy Mr. Elton in order that she might have the pleasure of seeing Harriet make a better "connection" So there is a real irony in this scene at Emma's expense. Chapter XXXIII Mrs. Elton makes a favorable impression elsewhere, but she grows cold to Emma because Emma does not admit her to the intimacy she is seeking. Augusta and Mr. Elton are also very unpleasant to Harriet. Augusta takes a great interest in Jane Fairfax. She says she wishes to bring her forward in Highbury society and will try to find her a good position as governess in her sister's neighborhood. Emma wonders how Jane Fairfax can tolerate the society of such a woman as Mrs. Elton. Why does Jane not join the Campbells, who are eager to have her with them in Ireland,? It can only be because she is avoiding the Dixons. Emma shares her opinion about Jane and the Eltons with Mrs. Weston and Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley suggests that since Emma does not invite Jane and Mrs. Elton does, her choice is very limited. And Mrs. Weston points out that a desire for a change from Miss Bates' company may be responsible for Jane's association with the Eltons. When Mr. Knightley proceeds to praise Jane Fairfax's "superiority both of mind and manner," Emma suggests that he is more interested in Jane than he himself is aware. But Mr. Knightley replies that he is not so interested in Jane Fairfax as to ask her to marry him. Emma says that she has no ambitions for matchmaking. She does not want him to marry; for then he would not be able to come in so informally for a chat. Mr. Knightley says that Jane Fairfax is too reserved, not open enough, for a wife. Emma is delighted at this news. But after Mr. Knightley leaves, Mrs. Weston insists on the possibility that Knightley may wind up being in love with Jane. Comment: There is a parallel between Mrs. Elton's preoccupation with Jane Fairfax and Emma's supervision of Harriet. The reader should be on guard for similarities and differences in these two sets of relationships. Is it only because her nephew will then inherit his estate that Emma is so against Mr. Knightley's marrying? Chapter XXXIV Emma decides that she is obliged to give a dinner at Hartfield for the Eltons so that no one can say she is slighting them. Harriet declines the invitation because she is too sensitive to past experiences to be able to spend much time in Mr. Elton's presence. Reacting to Mr. Knightley's rebuke to her for not paying any attention to Jane Fairfax, Emma makes a point of inviting her. Mr. Weston unfortunately has to be away on business and will miss the dinner, but will come later. John Knightley happens to be bringing his two boys up for a visit on the day of the party. Before dinner, John Knightley talks to Jane about their encounter that morning before breakfast. He is surprised that Jane would walk out in the rain, but she insists that she enjoys going to the post office. When Mrs. Elton hears that Jane had to walk out in the rain to get her mail, she offers to have one of her servants fetch Jane's letters for her. But though Mrs. Elton most impolitely insists, Jane is very firm in refusing the offer. When Mr. Knightley and his brother are talking about handwriting, Emma remarks that Frank Churchill "writes one of the best gentleman's hands I ever saw." Mr. Knightley replies that his handwriting is like a woman's. Emma and Mrs. Weston defend him. Before they go in to dinner, Emma thinks that the reason Jane is so firm about fetching her own mail from the post office is that she is receiving letters from Ireland (where Mr. Dixon is). Chapter XXXV After dinner, Mrs. Elton monopolizes Jane's company. She offers to help her get a good position. She says that the Campbells can hardly be more interested in Jane than she is. Although Jane very firmly and obviously insists that Mrs. Elton not make any inquiries for her, Mrs. Elton goes right on talking as if she will quickly find a position for Jane as governess. Jane refers to her destined profession as "the governess trade," and suggests that it may be better than slavery. Mr. Weston then joins the party. John Knightley thinks to himself how foolish it is for a man who has spent the day in business in London to bother going to a party that evening. Mr. Weston gives his wife a letter that came from Frank. Although it was addressed to her, he opened it, and he now proceeds to tell everyone that Frank's aunt is better and he will be in Highbury next week. Emma notices that she herself is very excited at the news. Chapter XXXVI Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton then strike up a conversation. Mr. Weston can talk only about his son. He says that he doesn't believe that Mrs. Churchill is as ill as she pretends. And Mrs. Elton tries at every turn to change the subject of the conversation to herself. She brings up "Maple Grove," her sister and brother-in-law, and their four children. But Mr. Weston sticks firmly to his own chosen subject so that we have the spectacle of two people talking at rather than to each other. John Knightley tells Emma that she is much more engaged with company than she used to be and his two boys might be in her way when he leaves them with her now for a visit. His brother, George Knightley, replies that they can be sent to his home, Donwell Abbey, if they are too much for Emma. Emma replies indignantly that her life is not a continuous round of outings, parties, and company, and that she shall certainly have time for her two nephews. Comment: The dinner party for the Eltons at Hartfield (Chapters XXXIV-XXXVI) is significant for the following: Janes' refusal to grant the crude Mrs. Elton the degree of intimacy she seeks; Jane's daily walks to the post office (the reader should not assume that Emma's conjecture about the source of her letters is correct); Mrs. Elton's impertinence in suggesting that she is as interested in Jane as the Campbells, and her presumptions and nosy, insensitive insistence on minding Jane's business; Emma's excitement at the news that Frank is coming back. The long conversation between Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton in Chapter 36 is a fine work of drawing room comedy. The humor of two persons' failure to communicate with each other because each is interested in forcing his own subject on the other (Mrs. Elton's importance, Mr. Weston's son) has to be read in the original to be perceived. Chapter XXXVII Emma is convinced that her excitement at hearing of Frank Churchill's anticipated arrival in Highbury was not due to her being in love with him, but rather to the fear that he might still be in love with her - even after two months. She hopes that she can keep him from declaring his love for her, but fears she might not be able to. After the Churchills move to London, Frank rides down to spend a couple of hours at Highbury. After calling at Randalls to see his father, he comes to Hartfield to visit Emma. She immediately apprehends that he is less in love with her than formerly. There is an air of restlessness about him. He stays at Hartfield for only fifteen minutes before leaving to call on some friends he encountered on the street when he rode into town and whom he does not want to disappoint by not calling on them. Emma is positive that he is less in love with her. The Churchills soon decide to go to Richmond so that Mrs. Churchill can consult an important doctor there. Richmond is only nine miles away from Highbury and so Frank can come over very easily. The ball at the Crown Inn, which had to be put off because of Frank's hasty departure last time, can now take place, and all arrangements are made. Comment: Who were the friends in Highbury that Frank Churchill rushed off to visit? Mrs. Bates? Miss Bates? Jane Fairfax? Chapter XXXVIII The day of the ball arrives. Emma goes to the Crown Inn early to offer her advice to Mr. Weston on the arrangements. She is annoyed that he also invited several other persons to come early to give their opinion. She feels offended at being only one of many and decides that Mr. Weston is a little too free with his intimacy. Frank is restless and dashes off to meet the carriages as they come. Mr. and Mrs. Elton arrive, but because they forgot to call for Miss Bates and her niece as they had promised, their carriage has to be sent back for them. When Jane Fairfax and her aunt arrive, Frank is there to meet the carriage. Meanwhile, Mr. Weston enjoys listening to Mrs. Elton say that she is pleased with his son, but he dashes away when she shifts the conversation to "Maple Grove" and "Mr. Suckling" (her brother-in-law). Miss Bates comes in with her usual flood of words and Frank returns to Emma. He and Emma overhear Mrs. Elton (who pretends that Mr. Weston has given the ball in her honor) tell Jane Fairfax that she thinks Frank is a fine young man. Emma asks him how he likes Mrs. Elton and he says, "Not at all"; whereupon Emma says that he is ungrateful. Mrs. Elton and Mr. Weston then lead the procession to start the ball. Emma is annoyed that she and Frank have to be second. While dancing, Emma notices that Mr. Knightley is on the sidelines with the wallflowers. She admires his attractive figure. She notices also that Harriet is the only young lady with no partner, even though Mr. Elton is also not dancing. He seems deliberately to be snubbing Harriet - encouraged in this by his wife's looks. When Mrs. Weston innocently tries to get him to dance with Harriet, he openly insults Harriet by saying, "My dancing days are over." Emma is furious at his petty, ungentlemanly behavior. The next minute, Emma notices that Harriet is dancing with Mr. Knightley (who dances extremely well). Mrs. Elton remarks aloud that Knightley has taken pity on poor Miss Smith. The party soon goes into supper buoyed up by some more of Miss Bates' talk and compliments about food and the arrangements and the like. After supper, Emma gets a chance to thank Mr. Knightley for his gallantry in rescuing Harriet from chagrin. He indicates to Emma that he knows that the Eltons want to offend Emma; for she had planned for him to marry Harriet. Emma admits to him that she was completely mistaken about Mr. Elton. He is small-minded and petty. Mr. Knightley replies that Mr. Elton would have done better with Harriet Smith than with Augusta. Emma says that they are not really so much brother and sister as to make it improper for them to dance. Mr. Knightley says, "Brother and sister! No, indeed." And they dance away. Comment: In this chapter we see: Emma's (probably justified) criticism of Mr. Weston's character; simultaneously, her own (this time, probably justified) self-esteem; some slightly suspicious anxiety in Frank Churchill; the crude meanness of mind of Mr. and Mrs. Elton; Emma and Mr. Knightley drawing closer together. Chapter XXXIX The next morning Emma recalls with pleasure Mr. Knightley's behavior at the ball and his agreement with her on the impertinence of the Eltons. She thinks that Harriet's infatuation must now be cured. Suddenly that morning, Frank Churchill appears at Hartfield with Harriet leaning on his arm. After Harriet faints and is revived, Emma learns that she and her friend, Miss Bickerton (another boarder at Mrs. Goddard's), had taken a walk outside of Highbury and run into some gypsies. Miss Bickerton managed to escape, but Harriet was assailed by some gypsy children who persisted even after she gave them a shilling. Frank Churchill's departure had luckily been delayed by his having to return a pair of scissors to Miss Bates. He rescued Harriet and brought her back to Hartfield to recuperate. Emma's imagination goes quickly to work on this adventure. "A fine young man and a lovely young woman thrown together in such a way could hardly fail to suggest certain ideas." Emma resolves (perhaps on the basis of her past errors) not to do anything to promote a match. But there would be no harm in thinking. The story is quickly spread over Highbury. [Hear Emma's Imagination Goes to Work] A fine young man and a lovely young woman thrown together in such a way could hardly fail to suggest certain ideas. Comment: Is it not odd that Frank Churchill is always turning up at Miss Bates'?